Military Funeral Honors

The full Military Funeral Honors ceremony consists of the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veterans’ next of kin, the playing of Taps, and a rifle detail. Taps may be played by a bugler or, if a bugler is not available, by using a quality recorded version. The rifle detail consists of 3-7 former servicemembers who fire their rifles 3 times each as part of the ceremony. Military honors can also consist of only the flag folding and presentation and playing of Taps, without the rifle detail. 

Most veterans who have served on active duty in any capacity, including the National Guard, are eligible for Military Funeral Honors, as long as they were discharged under honorable conditions. Establishing eligibility requires the veteran’s discharge paperwork--a DD Form 214 or equivalent. Your funeral director will review the document and apply for Military Funeral Honors on your behalf.